A possible partner for Scripps Research?

It's possible that the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla would have to look no farther than across the street to find a partner that could help the biomedical powerhouses shore up its long-term finances.

In a carefully worded statement, the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute said Tuesday that it is open to exploring partnerships. The statement was issued by Kristiina Vuori, Sanford-Burnham's president and interim chief executive officer. She said in a statement to U-T San Diego:

"Sanford-Burnham is an independent medical research institute with strong leadership, efficient operations and a history of outstanding science. The Institute has a solid financial base that was further reinforced by the large philanthropic gift pledged in January -- $275 million paid over 10 years. Additionally, we foresaw funding changes in the research macro environment and developed plans to diversify revenue beyond NIH grants to ensure a strong financial future.

"Developing partnerships with other research enterprises is in alignment with our 10-year strategic vision. As a matter of policy we don’t comment on specific opportunities. However we are always open to collaborations that drive innovation and actively seek partnerships with pharma, clinical, and academic organizations to further enhance our world-class discovery research and expand our capabilities in translational research."

Earlier, UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla expressed interest in discussing a merger or some other type of deal with Scripps Research.

Scripps Research recently confirmed that it has been exploring the possibility of merging with or being acquired by the University of Southern California. The institute is moving to improve its long term financial health, which has been hurt by a lack of large funding partnerships with the pharmaceutical industry and by strong competition for money from the National Institutes of Health. Scripps Research also has been hurt by the absence of a strong private fundraising program.

The possible deal with USC drew strong opposition from the faculty. Ten department heads and a dean sent an email to Scripps Research President Michael Marletta saying the terms of the deal could damage the institute, which operates campuses in La Jolla and in Jupiter, Florida.

Following the uproar, the Scripps Research board of trustees announced it was forming a committee to more broadly evaluate how the institute can improve its financial fortunes. The committee includes some faculty members.

The situation has led to lots of speculation about possible partners for Scripps Research. Most executives have responded cautiously, and broadly, including William Brody, president of the Salk Institute of Biological Studies in La Jolla. In a statement to U-T San Diego, Brody said:

"The Salk Institute is a gem among research institutes worldwide because of its ability to have faculty operate across diverse fields of investigation. The unique architecture and the lack of any departmental structure allow our faculty to work across disciplinary boundaries that exist in larger research institutes and universities. By retaining our small size we emphasize our unique approach to scientific discovery. At the same time, our location in the La Jolla Mesa is also a strength. With UCSD, TSRI and Sanford-Burnham within a short walk, we are able to develop many important cross-institute research collaborations.”